hospitalElk Grove, CA – A 37‑year‑old man died in a hospital Sunday, following a medical emergency that occurred while he was in Elk Grove Police custody. 

Incident Details

On June 28, 2025, at approximately 12:16 p.m., officers responded to a call about an adult male attempting to enter employee-only areas in a Chevron gas station on Promenade Parkway. Officials say the man appeared to be under the influence of narcotics.

Officers attempted to detain the individual, who resisted for 4–5 minutes before he was handcuffed, as two officers sustained minor injuries. After continued resistance, deputies placed him in a WRAP restraint device. Officers also reportedly found what appeared to be cocaine on his person in the back of the patrol vehicle. The man then experienced a medical emergency and he would be removed from the vehicle so emergency medical aid could be administered at the scene. The man was rushed to a local hospital, where he died the following day.

The Elk Grove Police Department’s Investigation Bureau is conducting a full internal review.
The Professional Standards Bureau, along with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, will conduct two independent reviews.

Legal Standards & Medical Oversight

While medical emergencies can happen unpredictably, custodial authorities are required under the Fourteenth Amendment to ensure detainees are treated humanely and receive prompt medical attention. The use of restraints like WRAP devices must follow safety protocols to prevent harm.

Potential legal issues to consider include:

  • Use of excessive force—if restraint contributed to medical distress.
  • Delays in medical response once the emergency began.
  • Proper supervision and monitoring while under restraint.

Families may have grounds for a civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 if there’s evidence of negligence or deliberate indifference.

Context For In‑Custody Medical Emergencies

Recent California data shows a significant portion of in-custody deaths involve medical issues such as drug withdrawal or compromised breathing during restraint. In many cases, medical intervention is delayed or inadequate. Sacramento-area agencies in particular have previously faced criticism over the use of restraint devices and medical procedure delays—prompting calls for improved training, monitoring, and transparency.

Seeking Accountability for In‑Custody Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of the deceased.

How can our firm assist with an investigation? Should you decide to consult with our firm, our investigation typically includes some or all the following investigative activities

  • obtaining and reviewing medical records, autopsy reports and blood toxicology screening reports
  • requesting a Public Records Request Act for documents and evidence for locating and interviewing critical witnesses to an incident 
  • subpoenaing third party entities if our firm is retained and a lawsuit is initiated 
  • securing surveillance video evidence, and at minimum, placing the jail entity on notice to preserve potential video and tangible evidence of an incident.
  • identifying and contacting potential witnesses, if available.

What should I know if I want to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

Contact our experienced Civil Rights lawyers so we can analyze all your options and hear the specifics of your case. We will also assess your loved one’s history with the jail facility they were treated at. Having as much documentation and physical evidence as possible will help prove your wrongful death case so our attorneys can examine them and help bring you and your loved one justice.  

If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.